Really Need Help On Ally Docking...

We really didn't get much training on it in school. Unfortunately, schools tend to train for the test. I guess the idea is that you will get the rest during mentoring. Problem is, during my mentoring, we really didn't have an opportunity to do it. Once or twice and that was it.

I was at a shipper and they gave me a specific numbered spot they wanted me to drop my trailer. It was just too tight to get a full turn and back straight in. I tried for like half an hour to no avail. I finally gave up and told the guys that I was going to find another spot and drop my trailer where I could fit it. Found a spot and got it in there in the first try. Easy peasy.

This is what I tried - first, came in perpendicular to the spot about 10 feet away from the line for trucks. One my left - not blind side. Went about two spots past it, then put it in reverse and cut the wheel hard right to kick the trailer back left. I kept running out of space and came in too sharp. By the time I went to straighten out, everything was out of whack.

I THINK what should have done is come up to the spot, then when my drives are centered in the spot i want, turn hard right WHILE GOING FORWARD. Then "S" back to the left and get the back of the trailer aimed at the spot I want.

I have been trying to find a good video but reality have only found ones showing it being done and not really explaining HOW it is done. Anyone find a good one that I might be able to use?

What advise do you guys have for a rookie that is pretty lost on this?

Eric, Here is a link to a set of backing videos on Youtube that I saved. You might find one that works with what you have learned. Backing Videos on YouTube

We really didn't get much training on it in school. Unfortunately, schools tend to train for the test. I guess the idea is that you will get the rest during mentoring. Problem is, during my mentoring, we really didn't have an opportunity to do it. Once or twice and that was it.

I was at a shipper and they gave me a specific numbered spot they wanted me to drop my trailer. It was just too tight to get a full turn and back straight in. I tried for like half an hour to no avail. I finally gave up and told the guys that I was going to find another spot and drop my trailer where I could fit it. Found a spot and got it in there in the first try. Easy peasy.

This is what I tried - first, came in perpendicular to the spot about 10 feet away from the line for trucks. One my left - not blind side. Went about two spots past it, then put it in reverse and cut the wheel hard right to kick the trailer back left. I kept running out of space and came in too sharp. By the time I went to straighten out, everything was out of whack.

I THINK what should have done is come up to the spot, then when my drives are centered in the spot i want, turn hard right WHILE GOING FORWARD. Then "S" back to the left and get the back of the trailer aimed at the spot I want.

I have been trying to find a good video but reality have only found ones showing it being done and not really explaining HOW it is done. Anyone find a good one that I might be able to use?

What advise do you guys have for a rookie that is pretty lost on this?

Not sure if this is same as videos but what I do; 1. Come in perpendicular like you said and about 6-8' on left. 2. Go 1 1/2 spots past open dock. 3. Go (slow) hard right (then I count two seconds) and back hard left until trailer bottom is 45 degree in my mirror. Bottom right of mirror to top left. 4. Stop. 5. Cut steering wheel all the way right and start backing. Make adjustments as you go. 6. Get Out And Look as much as needed.

Some lots allow more room than others, but this works great for me.

Also it'll make a difference where your tandems are. The further back they are the longer it takes the trailer to respond.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Man, thanks for those. I've seen most of them and while they show people doing it, they don't explain the "how" and I am a very analytical "how and why" guy. I'll take a look at the ones you listed that I hadn't already seen. Thanks!

Not sure if this is same as videos but what I do; 1. Come in perpendicular like you said and about 6-8' on left. 2. Go 1 1/2 spots past open dock. 3. Go (slow) hard right (then I count two seconds) and back hard left until trailer bottom is 45 degree in my mirror. Bottom right of mirror to top left. 4. Stop. 5. Cut steering wheel all the way right and start backing. Make adjustments as you go. 6. Get Out And Look as much as needed.

Some lots allow more room than others, but this works great for me.

Also it'll make a difference where your tandems are. The further back they are the longer it takes the trailer to respond.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

OK, that's a start!

Questions...

After Step 2, do I STOP, then turn the wheel hard right?

After Step 4, the back end of the trailer should already be pointed pretty much at the spot, correct?

As I said, I tend to over analyze things, but if I don't know the why all I am doing is memorizing steps and not able to correct on the fly.

Thanks again!

I hug closer, more in the range of 3 to 4 feet. Then I go 2 and a half spots, typically about 2 doors with average gap or 1 and a half with a huge gap between doors. Then I cut to the right then back to the left. Then turn wheel hard right and start backing in.

Yeah stop after step 2 but once you get used to it you won't need to stop as long as you're going slow.

And yes after step 4 the trailer should be angled at the hole. You'll have to get used to how far you have to go here before stopping. Some newer warehouses have generous space between docks so you don't wanna go too far. GOAL is key.

Also, I'm in a Freightliner Cascadia and my fifth wheel is in hole #3&4. So it turns pretty tight.

Thanks for all the tips!